Article

World's first methanol-powered pilot boat launched


published on 14 December 2021 180 -

Text and photo by Sjöfartsverket

The Swedish Maritime Administration is launching the world's first fully methanol-powered pilot boat today. It is one of the ministry's existing pilot boats, which has now been converted to test the new propellant. The work is part of the Swedish Maritime Administration's transition to a fossil-free fleet.

The pilot boat will be the first of its kind in the world. "Generally speaking, we in Sweden are far ahead when it comes to maritime research and innovation. It is therefore no coincidence that this particular project is now being carried out here in Sweden," says Fredrik Backman, Director of Shipping at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The work to convert one of the Swedish Maritime Administration's pilot boats from diesel to methanol is part of a larger EU initiative, and will last until 2024. While there are other projects involving various forms of methanol-powered vessels, the Swedish Maritime Administration's pilot boat is the first of its kind in the world. The boat will now be part of the Agency's regular pilotage operations to evaluate the technology, but also to ensure both its capacity and capability.

"Our redesigned pilot boat is an important piece of the puzzle in our larger and broader transition towards a completely fossil-free fleet of boats and ships. The pilot boat will now be put through its paces, with many hours of rigorous and thorough testing. Tests that will then be evaluated and analysed", says Fredrik Backman.

The Swedish Maritime Administration has already been commissioned by the government to analyse and come up with proposals on how the Agency's fleet of boats and ships can become fossil-free. The assignment is based on the government's national climate targets, which include a reduction of at least 70% in carbon dioxide emissions from domestic transport by 2030.

Follow the launch of the methanol-powered pilot boat live in the video player below or click here.

 

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Methanol Fueled Pilot Boat from Sweden

published on 7 July 2022

FASTWATER Consortium and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) successfully demonstrated a pilot boat that has been converted to operate on Methanol fuel. The demonstration in Stockholm Harbour follows the successful bunkering of the vessel at the SMA pilot station in Oxelösund, Sweden, where the pilot boat will be based.

1

Article Maersk and Svitzer to Develop Fuel Cell Tug Powered by Green Methanol

published on 11 November 2021

Svitzer, A.P. Moller - Maersk’s world leading towage operator, today unveiled plans to introduce the world’s first fuel cell tug boat for harbour towage operations.

0

Video Pilot boat Le Fret

published on 23 November 2020

returning to her St.Helier base

0

Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn

published on 13 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, LA, has ordered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

0

Video Pilot Boat on Route out of Portsmouth

published on 12 August 2024

out of Portsmouth

0

Article BC Pilotage Authority adds 20m Pilot Boat to fleet

published on 5 November 2021

The Pacific Pilotage Authority of Canada (PPA) has taken delivery of a new aluminium pilot boat from Ocean Pacific Marine of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

0

Video German Pilot Boat (Baltic Sea)

published on 16 May 2022

Perfect Manoeuvre. Maybe it is Kieler Förde or Travemünde but in an any case the Baltic Sea. Greetings to NOK II !

0

Video Kiel Pilots using VR for next-level shiphandling simulation

by Captain, MSc. Remko Fehr - published on 13 December 2023

Kiel Pilots introducing Morild Interaktiv AS Virtual Reality Simulator for next-level manoeuvring training

1

Article Concept of Reskilling for Automation Collaboration in Maritime Piloting

published on 22 August 2022

Advanced automation has been highlighted as contributory to several accidents involving modern bridge support systems and automation aiding maritime pilots for maneuvering and navigation. This paper argues for reskilling for automation collaboration.

1

Video Remotely operated vessels? Seaowl makes it real

published on 30 June 2021

The remote control of ships is in development across the maritime industry and the technology enabling it presents opportunities to improve operations and safety, while reducing costs. In this film, we look at the successful SeaOwl Remotely Operated Services at Sea (ROSS) project, with commentary from some of the many people involved in its development.
Learn more: https://marlink.com/remoteops/

0